Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Cedar Falls, IA: $64,718 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in Cedar Falls, IA earns a median $64,718/year (≈ $31.12/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in Cedar Falls's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $71,591 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.9% below the Iowa state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Cedar Falls, IA, the expected annual compensation for licensed practical nurses (LPNs) in 2026 is projected at $64,718. This figure reflects a competitive local labor market, with salaries ranging from $49,366 at the lower end (P10) to as much as $79,252 for those at the top (P90). These estimates are derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost structures. Factors such as the state's scope of practice for LPNs, including authority over IV therapy and patient assessments, can influence compensation trends in this sector. Understanding the specifics of what LPNs can perform in Iowa is essential for both new entrants and seasoned professionals as they navigate job opportunities in Cedar Falls.
About the Cedar Falls Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,366 | $23.73 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $62,103 | $29.86 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $64,718 | $31.12 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $74,410 | $35.77 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $79,252 | $38.10 |
Median Salary Position
4.93% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cedar Falls
In Cedar Falls, IA, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $29,886 (2026 est.). At $64,718, the local median is 4.93% below the national median of $68,071.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Cedar Falls: You'd be above the median
How Cedar Falls Licensed Practical Nurse Pay Compares
Cedar Falls median: $64,718/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Cedar Falls Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $67,344 | -3.90% less |
| National Average | $68,071 | -4.93% less |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Cedar Falls, IA earn a median of $64,718 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.93% lower than the national median of $68,071 and 3.90% below the Iowa state average of $67,344.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Cedar Falls has a cost of living 9.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Cedar Falls, IA has a cost-of-living index of 90.4 (below the national average of 100). A licensed practical nurse earning $64,718 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $71,591 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.62% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$45,141
2025 BLS Actual
$61,228
2026 Current Est.
$64,718
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Cedar Falls (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45,141 | Actual |
| 2020 | $46,415 | Actual |
| 2021 | $45,702 | Actual |
| 2022 | $51,930 | Actual |
| 2023 | $56,788 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,361 | Actual |
| 2025 | $61,228 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64,718 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68,407 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Cedar Falls metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 35.6% from $45,141 (2019) to $61,228 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $68,407 by 2027 — a total increase of $23,266 (51.54%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cedar Falls metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.70% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $49,366 – $62,103 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $62,103 – $64,718 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $64,718 – $74,410 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $74,410 – $79,252 |
LPN salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual licensed practical nurse compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Licensed Practical Nurse Job Market in Cedar Falls
The local job market is relatively modest, with approximately eight licensed practical nurses currently employed in the area. Cedar Falls has a cost-of-living index of 90.4, indicating that despite competitive wages, the purchasing power may be slightly diminished compared to national averages. Employers can vary significantly in their salary offerings based on the work environment, with skilled nursing facilities typically providing higher pay compared to home health agencies or physician offices. The disparity in compensation can be attributed to factors such as shift differentials, weekend and holiday premiums, and stipends for additional qualifications like IV therapy certification. For those looking to maximize their licensed practical nurse pay in Cedar Falls, pursuing positions in long-term care settings, where demand persists, and actively seeking continuing education and certification opportunities can enhance job prospects and earnings potential significantly.
More salary data for Cedar Falls, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do licensed practical nurses make in Cedar Falls, IA in 2026?
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Can licensed practical nurses make $100K in Cedar Falls?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted licensed practical nurse salary in Cedar Falls?
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Written by Aisha Malik, LPN
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience as a licensed practical nurse. She specializes in pediatric nursing. Aisha has worked in various outpatient clinics.
Methodology & Data Source
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $61,228 for licensed practical nursesin the Cedar Falls metropolitan area. A 5.70% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Cedar Falls is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.70%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for licensed practical nurses (SOC 29-2061).
Compiled and verified by Aisha Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov